Rosacea

Rosacea

If your face looks like you’re constantly blushing, or you’ve noticed persistent redness that just won’t go away, you may be dealing with rosacea. You’re not alone, though. This skin condition is very common, affecting over 16 million people in the United States. The good news? An effective treatment plan can help you regain control over your skin and feel confident again.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing persistent redness and visible blood vessels. In some cases, you may also experience small bumps that might remind you of acne. Here’s what makes rosacea different – it’s not something you’ve done wrong within your skincare routine. It’s a medical condition that requires proper treatment from experienced dermatologists and dermatology providers.

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, we understand how frustrating rosacea can be. That’s why our skilled dermatologists and dermatology specialists have developed comprehensive treatment plans to help effectively manage your symptoms. We recognize that rosacea manifests differently in each individual, which is why we develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each client.

What Does Rosacea Look Like?

While we’ve given a general overview, rosacea symptoms can vary quite a bit. There are some common signs to watch for. Many people notice the persistent redness on their nose, cheeks, chin, or forehead first because it won’t go away. Here’s what you might see:

  • Persistent facial redness that looks like a sunburn or intense blush
  • Small, red, pus-filled bumps (no blackheads like with acne)
  • Visible blood vessels, especially on the nose and cheeks
  • Burning or stinging sensations on your skin
  • Rough, dry, or swollen skin
  • Eye irritation (in some cases)

Does rosacea itch? While it’s not the most common symptom, some people may experience itching, burning, and stinging sensations. Symptoms vary from person to person.

What Causes Rosacea?

There isn’t one single cause, but there are several factors that play a role. Understanding these factors can help manage your condition.

Some potential rosacea causes include:

  • Genetics – if your parents had rosacea, you have a likelihood of developing it too
  • Overactive immune symptom responses
  • Certain bacteria or mites on the skin
  • Blood vessel abnormalities
  • Environmental and lifestyle triggers

Is rosacea autoimmune? While research on this is ongoing, some experts believe rosacea deals with immune system dysfunction. Currently, rosacea is not classified as a traditional autoimmune disease.

Understanding Rosacea Triggers

While we can’t control the causes of rosacea, we can identify and manage triggers that may make it worse. Common triggers include:

  • Sun and heat exposure
  • Spicy foods and hot beverages
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Stress and strong emotions
  • Certain skincare products
  • Extreme hot or cold weather conditions
  • Vigorous exercise

Types of Rosacea

There are four different types of rosacea. Understanding these different types helps us create the most effective treatment plan for your situation:

Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR)

This type of rosacea usually involves persistent facial redness, visible blood vessels, and flushing. Your skin might feel sensitive with burning or stinging sensations, and may appear swollen at times.

Papulopustular Rosacea

This type is often called “acne rosacea.” It includes facial redness, along with acne-like bumps and pimples. Although it looks like acne, you won’t see blackheads.

Rhinophyma

This type of rosacea isn’t as common, but it causes the skin on your nose to thicken and become bumpy. You’ll usually find this in men, accompanied by other types of rosacea.

Ocular Rosacea

This type of rosacea affects the eyes, causing them to appear bloodshot, watery, or irritated. This may be accompanied by burning, dryness, or sensitivity to light. It can affect vision if left untreated.

Rosacea vs. Acne: Key Differences

Many people confuse rosacea with acne, but they are very different conditions requiring different approaches. Here are the differences:

  • Age – Acne typically appears during the teen years, while rosacea usually develops between the ages of 30 and 60.
  • Location – Acne can appear anywhere, but rosacea usually affects the face.
  • Appearance – Acne includes blackheads and whiteheads, while rosacea doesn’t.
  • Pattern – Rosacea covers large facial areas with persistent redness.

Effective Rosacea Treatment Options

The key to effective treatment for rosacea is working with experienced dermatologists and dermatology providers who can create a personalized plan. At Schweiger Dermatology Group, we offer comprehensive rosacea treatments that address symptoms and underlying causes.

Prescription Medications

Effectively treating rosacea usually starts with targeted medications such as:

  • Topical gels with brimonidine or oxymetazoline – used to reduce redness by tightening the blood vessels
  • Azelaic acid-based treatments – helps clear bumps and reduce inflammation
  • Metronidazole cream – used to treat bumps and swelling
  • Ivermectin cream to treat bumps and pustules
  • Certain formulations of benzoyl peroxide cream for redness and bumps
  • Oral antibiotics – used to reduce inflammation and bacteria

Advanced Laser Treatment for Rosacea

Laser treatment can be very effective for treating persistent redness and visible blood vessels. Our team uses advanced technology to target broken blood vessels while improving the overall skin tone.

Light Therapy

Red and blue light therapy helps reduce inflammation and bacteria, offering a gentle treatment option for sensitive rosacea skin.

Best Skincare for Rosacea

Your daily skincare routine plays a large role in managing rosacea. The best skincare for rosacea focuses on gentle, non-irritating products that support your skin barrier, like:

  • Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers
  • Mineral sunscreens with broad-spectrum protection
  • Moisturizers designed for sensitive skin
  • Products free of strong fragrances and alcohol

Our dermatologists and dermatology specialists can recommend specific products that work well with your medical dermatology treatment plan.

Managing Your Rosacea Long-Term

Does rosacea go away on its own? This condition does not go away without treatment. With proper care, most people can successfully manage their symptoms.

Is rosacea contagious? No, it is not. You cannot catch rosacea from someone, and you cannot spread it to others.

Ready to Take Control of Your Rosacea?

Living with rosacea doesn’t have to mean accepting persistent redness and discomfort. At Schweiger Dermatology Group, our experienced dermatologists and dermatology providers have helped thousands of patients successfully manage their rosacea symptoms and regain confidence in their skin.

Every case of rosacea is unique. That’s why we take the time to understand your specific triggers, symptoms, and lifestyle factors. Our comprehensive approach combines the latest medical treatments with personalized skincare recommendations to give you the best possible results.

Don’t let rosacea control your life. We have multiple locations in various states to assist. Visit our location pages to find an office near you and start your journey to clearer, more comfortable skin. Book online in seconds or call us at (844) 337-6362.

About Schweiger Dermatology Group

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, we believe no one should wait to feel confident in their own skin. That's why we're committed to delivering The Ultimate Patient Experience—expert care that's fast, compassionate, and seamless. Founded by Dr. Eric Schweiger in 2010 to eliminate long wait times for high quality dermatologists, we've grown into the nation's leading dermatology practice, with hundreds of locations across the country and millions of satisfied patients. We offer medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology, as well as allergy services—in modern, state-of-the-art offices. Most new patients are seen within days, and we accept most insurances and handle billing for you. Whether it's a skin concern or a cosmetic goal, we make it easy to get the care you need—without the wait.